Today Jake & Leah sit down with previous guest Henry and Heather to discuss what art projects they are currently working on.

Learn more about Henry G. Sanchez here www.bioartbayoutorium.org

Learn more about Heather L. Johnson here www.heatherljohnson.com

Ways you can help support this podcast

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We appreciate you listening and supporting us!!!

Find Jessica Love on

Instagram @stardustranchtx , @TheUrbaneDesign

Web- https://urbanedesignstudios.com/

Follow @theinnbetweentx to see when the next podcast episode is released, events happening in the Frio Canyon and beyond, and much more!!!

Ryan is the founder of a consulting company specializing in organizations challenged by their success. Also a meeting facilitator @ Luna Expansion, practioner of Zen, and an entreprenuer, Ryan loves connecting people and all things Austin.

Ryan can be reach through his LinkedIn profile

Special Thanks To Our Sponsor

Songs On The Frio

https://www.songsonthefrio.com/

Frio Canyon Vineyard was founded by lifelong friends with a mission to craft wines that reflect the rugged beauty of the Frio Canyon in Real County. Rooted in the limestone soils and canyon breezes of the Edwards Plateau, our estate produces hand-harvested, French oak-aged wines made enitrely onsite in our winery cave. Each bottle is estate grown, thoughtfully made, and deeply tied to the land we call home.

Book your wine tatsing today or give Frio Canyon Vineyard a shout to learn more about their wines and wine memberships.

https://friocanyonvineyard.com

Email - Info@friocanyonvineyard.com

Ph- (830) 890-0840

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Songs On The Frio

https://www.songsonthefrio.com/

Kayla Kennedy is a self-taught abstraction artist based in Austin,TX. Originally from Long Beach, and raised in Portland, Kayla's journey has taken her from coast to coast, shaping her unique artistic perspective.

Her work is deeply inspired by the people and places she has encountered along the way,with each experience adding to the richness of her creative community.

Kayla's passion for art emerged during her pursuit of a career in interior design, sparking a newfound avenue for self-expression. While she primarily works with acrlyic on canvas, she experimenting with various mediums to create works that rich in texture and depth.

Through her art, Kayla aims to inspire creativity and foster meaningful connections within her community, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience her work.

Contact Kayla

Email- Inspired.byyou@yahoo.com

IG- @KK_inspired

Meet Doogie Roux, a Cajun-Texan based in Houston,TX and a big fan of good food and music plus anything with wheels and a motor. He's a creative Swiss Army knife- curating vibez, hosting experiences, capturing moments and telling stories while connecting communities across the world.

Connect with Doogie

Email-doogieroux@gmail.com

Socials- @doogieroux

Join Jake and Leah as they sit down with Kristi Gerdes, the brand-new Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR), to talk about the future of tourism, hidden gems along the Frio River, off-season adventures, and the importance of preserving dark skies.

Whether you're planning a summer float, a cozy fall getaway, or curious about family-friendly activities in Uvalde County, this episode is packed with local insight, history, and inspiration.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the heart of Texas Hill Country!

00:00 – Welcome + Spotlight on Camp Riverview in Concan, TX
01:00 – Meet Kristi Gerdes, new Executive Director of Texas Hill Country River Region
02:00 – Growing up in Uvalde + early river memories
03:00 – The opening of House Pasture (1998) and local traditions
04:00 – How the area has grown & the role of social media in tourism
05:00 – Why travelers trust TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube over Google blogs
06:00 – Kristi's vision for Visit Uvalde County social media
07:00 – Building tourism beyond summer: fall, winter, and spring opportunities
09:00 – The magic of off-season camping, hiking, and campfires
10:30 – Lower lodging rates + quieter river experiences in fall/winter
11:30 – Hidden gem: Lost Maples State Park & nearby Utopia
13:00 – Kayaking, Chalk Bluff Park, and water adventures beyond the Frio
15:00 – Uvalde Nature Park & family-friendly activities
16:00 – Local history, Briscoe-Garner Museum, and the Opera House
18:00 – Tourism challenges: seasonal closures & siloed businesses
19:30 – Kristi's strategy to bring partners together for bigger events
21:30 – The role of social media & bridging generational marketing gaps
22:30 – Birding tourism opportunities and community collaboration
24:00 – Astro-tourism & preserving dark skies 🌌
27:00 – Advocacy for clean rivers, landscapes, and skies
29:00 – Building off-season tourism & uniting visionary locals
31:00 – Exciting new interactive website for Visit Uvalde County
32:00 – Wrap-up + Kristi's warm welcome into the community

Kristi Gerdes is the newly hired Executive Director of The Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR), a DMO founded in 1998 with the mission of promoting Uvalde County as an overnight year-round tourism destination and to increase off-season occupancy in the region's accommodations.

📧 Email: Kristi@visituvaldecounty.com
🌐 Website: https://visituvaldecounty.com/
📱 Text Questions To: (830) 834-5534

• Camp Riverview – friocampriverview.com

• Songs On The Frio – songsontherfrio.com

Frio River, Concan TX, Uvalde County, Texas Hill Country, River Region, Garner State Park, Lost Maples State Park, Visit Uvalde County, Concan camping, Frio River cabins, Texas dark skies, astro tourism, Texas family vacations, fall in Texas Hill Country, spring getaways Texas, Texas birding, Camp Riverview, House Pasture, Texas travel podcast.